Second Grade Curriculum
Second grade is based on learning through experiences. Children are given various opportunities to learn by doing. From hands on science lessons to rich literature, from concrete math games to more abstract problem solving, the 2nd grader will develop their critical thinking skills!
Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum is integrated and addresses reading, grammar, and writing within the stories and lessons in the Open Court Reading Program. Spelling Connections is the text that delivers our spelling, as well as phonics and word structure. These texts provide the structure that then is utilized in creating lessons that meet the needs of the individual students.
Reading
The Open Court Reading Program is a rich literature base from which to start. Through quality stories, the students discuss elements of the literature. Comprehension, recognizing inferences, reading for details, comparing and contrasting are an integral part of the literary discussions. Students begin to read more fluently. As they gain the comfort of their new skills, the children read longer and more complex materials.
Grammar
The second grade focuses on the parts of speech and how they are used in sentences. Types of sentences, punctuation, and capitalization are focused on in stories and in writing. Applying the rules of grammar in our writing will develop over the course of the year.
Spelling
The Spelling Connections program is a systematic and logical approach to spelling. The weekly lists of words are linked by a vowel sound or blend and diagraph cluster. The text offers many ways to create a list that will serve the individual needs of different students. Recognizing word structure, rhyme, and contextual application are strengths of this program.
Writing
Second graders grow in their writing throughout the year. Beginning with large group poetry writing and then gradually graduating onto individual poems and stories, the students are encouraged and helped along the way of the writing process. Second grade writing still allows for experimental spelling. The revision and editing process is then brought in to create the finished product.
Math
The Saxon Math Program is a developmental and spiraling approach to math instruction. Clear and consistent, the children develop a solid foundation in math language and math concepts. Daily word problems, patterning, and calendar encourage the children to notice the math that surrounds them. Instruction is given through hands-on activities as much as possible. Place value, regrouping, measurement, geometry, probability, and statistics are all part of the program. Time and money are reinforced almost daily in this model. An emphasis on logical thinking and problem solving make this curriculum ideal for the children to work out the problems that they will encounter.
Science and Social Studies
These two subject areas are intertwined in the second grade curriculum. The large unit studies that are a key to our classroom are: Animals, Native Americans, Trees, China, the Sun, Moon, and Stars, Plants and Seasons, and Dinosaurs. These units are enhanced with hands on experiences, field trips, resource speakers, and projects. Cooperative learning encourages team work and broadens the children’s learning. An appreciation for the Earth and the people and animals that inhabit it are the main focus of the lessons.